Our Services

Consultations (First Appointment)

The first appointment is referred to as a “consultation” and is scheduled for 60- or 90-minutes, depending on the provider. This time is used for gathering information about the history and current concerns, providing initial impressions, and reviewing a recommended plan of care. When time allows, this time will also include beginning guidance for addressing the concerns leading to care. Our doctoral-level providers are well-experienced and comfortable treating each of these problems as well as many more.

Pediatric appointments may be requested for:

• Early childhood concerns (toileting difficulties; temper tantrums; aggressive behavior)
• AD/HD
• Behavioral concerns (non-compliance; anger outbursts; aggression)
• Anxiety (fears; worries; panic attacks; PTSD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Sadness/Depression
• Self-injury (“cutting”)
• Academic concerns (learning difficulties; lack of motivation; poor performance; “laziness”)
• School resistance/refusal
• Sleep difficulties (trouble falling asleep; frequent waking; nightmares/night terrors)
• “Aspergers” or Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Social concerns/peer difficulties
• Family conflict
• Parental separation/divorce
• Parenting guidance
• Concerns related to nutrition/weight
• Tics/Tourette’s
• Managing a physical illness or medical condition (i.e., addressing pain symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches; coping with conditions frequently associated with pain; improving compliance with medical regimen)

Linden BP Team Members:

Victoria L. Norton, Psy.D.
Allyson Weldon, Ph.D

Adults appointments may be requested for:

• Anxiety
• Mood/depression
• Maternal emotional difficulties
• Relationship struggles
• Low self-esteem/ Low self-confidence
• Grief/Loss
• Stress management
• Social challenges
• Sleep difficulties
• Difficult life events/transitions
• Work-related difficulties
• AD/HD
• Chronic Illness/Pain
• Anger control
• Trauma/PTSD
• Sexual dysfunction
• OCD
• Body Image/weight

Linden BP Team Member:

Victoria L. Norton, Psy.D.

Treatment

The Linden BP clinical team believes in the use of treatment strategies that have been proven successful, in other words “empirically supported”. Ongoing review of the latest research, involvement in professional organizations, and attendance/presentations at state and national conferences maintains the providers’ knowledge about the best practices in the field of clinical psychology. In addition, some members of the Linden BP staff have specialty training in hypnotherapy, biofeedback, Gottman couples therapy, and Women’s Health.

Linden BP providers practice largely from a “cognitive-behavioral” orientation. This means that there is an emphasis on understanding how one’s thinking and behavior impact emotions and modifying thought patterns and behavior to enhance emotional functioning. This is consistent with research which recommends the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adults

Pediatric treatment approach:

Treatment varies in frequency and duration depending on the concerns leading to treatment. At the first appointment, your/your child’s doctoral-level provider will make preliminary treatment recommendations based on initial impressions. A plan of care will be decided together with you.

The clinical providers at Linden BP work to enhance functioning without the use of medications. However, with certain diagnoses (i.e., ADHD, OCD, Major Depression), the use of psychotropic medication is recommended in combination with therapy. It is this combination that allows for the maximum benefits of treatment and overall well-being. In cases when this is appropriate, the treating provider will discuss the value of pharmacological intervention and provide assistance with a referral to your primary care physician or a psychiatrist within the community. With your consent, the provider will speak directly with the treating physician regarding nature of concerns and medication options, and remain active in collaborating with this provider throughout the treatment course.

Treatment strategies vary greatly, depending on your/your child’s specific concerns. Your treating doctoral-level provider will customize the treatment plan to best meet your/your child’s needs. Common components of treatment include building more effective coping skills, teaching of relaxation and visual imagery, increasing behavioral/emotion regulation strategies, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and parental guidance and support.

Linden BP Team Members:

Victoria L. Norton, Psy.D.
Allyson Weldon, Ph.D

Adult treatment approach:

We are glad to offer psychological services to adults seeking mental health treatment. Linden BP provides a compassionate, private environment where you can feel comfortable enough to engage in the challenging work of psychotherapy. We provide evidence-based interventions that help you create the change you seek.

Services that are offered include consultation, individual treatment, couples therapy, and group counseling.

Linden BP Team Members:

Victoria L. Norton, Psy.D.

Our doctoral-level providers are well-experienced and comfortable treating each of these problems as well as many more.

Testing

At Linden BP, we use formal psychological testing measures, such as “IQ” or cognitive, achievement, and behavioral testing. Psychological testing is typically done at the onset of treatment or independent of treatment. All test administration at Linden BP is done by either a clinical psychologist or school psychologist.

Uses of Psychological Testing:

• Assess cognitive ability (giftedness or impairment)
• Assess academic strengths and weaknesses
• Determine presence of a learning disability
• Assist in the diagnosis of an attentional disorder
• For differential diagnosis
• Aide in treatment planning